Читать книгу “THEY” Cripple Society Volume 1: Who are “THEY” and how do they do it? An Expose in True to Life Narrative Exploring Stories of Discrimination - Cleon E. Spencer - Страница 8

“I’m very sorry to be bothering you so this evening,” remarked Owen, “but I do think you can help us; you see we have a support group of fine cultured people, as we call them, formed here under the auspices of the Student Health and Counseling Services of this University.”

“Uh-ah” Collin answered disinterestedly, “that’s years behind me.”

“That’s what I expected, Collin, and that’s just the point,” Owen continued to press, “but you’ve make the grade. Our support group is made up of people like you, only much younger, who haven’t yet made the grade. You can help them I’m sure.”

Collin chuckled as he answered, “yea, I’ve made the grade. You saw what happened in the lecture room this evening.”

“But,” said Owen eagerly, “you did become a clergyman. I cannot help but surmise, judging from what happened this evening, that the going for you has been difficult at times, but you did make it, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, after a fashion I suppose I did make it,” replied Collin. “Are you the overseer of the group?”

“I’m the facilitator, I got it together, but a psychiatrist from the Student Health and Counseling Services oversees all our meetings.”

“Ugh,” responded Collin. “Much to my regret, in my younger years I had an ugly experience with a couple of psychiatrists, and after that, brief encounters with two or three others, till, with God’s help, I took my life back into my own hands. I have no desire to be involved with them again, not for my particular life experiences.”

Owen’s exuberance faltered as he said in a disappointed tone, “Aw, I’m sorry I bothered you with this.”

Collin was moved by Owen’s disappointment. “Okay,” he said, more cheerfully, “we’ll say I made the grade. What can I do to help? Would you explain your support group further?”

Owen became obviously happy. “We meet once a week,” he said, “room 405, of this building- just one floor up. We meet under the guidance of Dr. Eldren, a retired psychiatrist who offers his services to the Student Health and Counseling Services, no connection to the Psychology Department. You won’t have to worry about Professor Yates. Dr. Eldren is a very mature, understanding and friendly man - no problem for you there, I’m sure. Would you, I wonder, come along to the meeting tomorrow evening at seven? Dr. Eldren will explain the purpose of the group much better than I. Will you come?”

“Psychiatrists are years behind me,” responded Collin, “but you’ve aroused my curiosity so much that I’m all ears. Will it be all right with Dr. Eldren if I come along to the meeting?”

“I feel sure it will,” said Owen with renewed enthusiasm, “but I will contact him tomorrow and let him know about you.”

Collin asked of Owen further, “How does your wife fit into this, or are you married?”

“I’m not married yet,” said Owen, with a twinkle, “but I have my eye on a fine woman at present. She is a member of our support group. She seems to like me too.”

“I see,” responded Collin. “My wife won’t want to be attending the meetings, but she may accompany me on the drive here occasionally, and wait for me at the library. She has done things like that with me before. Anyway, please phone me by five o’clock tomorrow evening, and confirm that it will be in order for me to be present,” said Collin as he reached into his pocket for a business card containing his phone number and gave it to Owen.

The two shook hands, exchanged parting courtesies, and separated, Owen heading for the stairs to floor four, Collin taking the elevator to floor one and the door out into the street.

I may not find what I was hoping for in Psychology 3001, he thought to himself, but I may find it in room 405 - maybe! Hope to heaven I do.